Improving M74

One of Scotland’s busiest motorways, the M74 is the main route north into Glasgow, Lanarkshire and the surrounding area for freight drivers, commuters and tourists alike. The southbound stretch of motorway between Larkhall and Motherwell (Junction 6-7) is reaching the end of its operational life and is in need of resurfacing.

Evan Ferguson, Scotland TranServ’s Planned Maintenance Manager said: “The M74 is one of Scotland’s most important economic arteries, carrying freight across the border and into Ireland. As a result of this heavy traffic flow, the road surface is reaching the end of its operational life and is in need of resurfacing. Scotland TranServ has been planning this short-term project with a number of authorities including Transport Scotland, Police and the local authorities. We hope to keep disruption to an absolute minimum throughout. Drivers who can make alternative arrangements or consider an alternative route are asked to do so during this short programme of work.”

Traffic management will be necessary in order to protect the health and safety of road workers and of the travelling public. A contra flow will therefore be installed in order to reduce any inconvenience. The work will take place from 8pm on Sunday, October 19 to 6am on Saturday, October 25, 2014.

The works has been specifically scheduled to avoid the busy October holiday period for Glasgow and Lanarkshire schools. During daytime hours two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction. At night when traffic is lighter, the southbound carriageway will be closed to allow the works to progress however one lane will be maintained south via a contraflow on the northbound carriageway.

Russell Rennie, Scotland TranServ’s contract director added: “Across the South West, Scotland TranServ has invested around £40million on behalf of Transport Scotland to improve the trunk roads network. We are continuing to deliver a legacy of improvements in these vital economic arteries, supporting the long-term growth and development of Scotland. This is one of the most important roads in Scotland, and we hope that following this short-term programme of work commuters, tourists and freight drivers will value these improvements for many years to come.”